Saturday 24 September 2022

Saturday morning routine - Cafe CoCo

 


One of my favourite past times is to sit in cafes and read the papers.  Usually that is only my portion on weekends, since I am privileged with a weekday job.  Saturdays I tend to go to Cafe CoCo, a well established hang out for Oxford alternative weirdos like myself.  

They used to provide free newspapers - now I have to buy my own paper, and leave it behind for other, less well-heeled, customers when I am finished.  The Tory Austerity and COVID lock-down have a lot to answer for!

Anyway, I went again this morning.  I am still a bit weak after my recent illness, but one must venture out at some stage.  Besides I had to pick up my boots from the cobbler before he decided to discard them.

I also swung by the Saturday market in search of some organic milk, but the milk people didn't show up - again.  Irritating.  Went to the supermarket instead.

Anyway, the weather was quite nice, so I managed to get some decent photos!


Just around the corner from CoCo's is a 17th century coaching Inn, that is still in use.  A friend of mine once stayed there, apparently it is a bit rustic - well, not surprising, given its age.



CoCo's have managed to take over half of Dawson Street.  On the other side of the street is KazBar, same owner as CoCo's, but different opening hours, so using up the street between the two places made a lot of sense.  It all seems to have started during COVID closures, which revolutionised outdoor dining.  I was among the frequent visitors, since I am used to sitting in low temperatures.


CoCo's indoors - there is also a naked man in a bathtub.  I don't approve of this sort of public nudity, but the premises are too well attended for me to add concealing T-shirts to the offending deco.




They used to advertise for long-haired weirdos, but I guess some short-haired normies took offence.



A very healthy breakfast for a change - my innards need molly-coddling!


Down the High Street to pick up my boots - I do like the cockerel on top of the University Church!




Monday 19 September 2022

The Queen's Death - shop windows

 I have been strolling around Oxford, snapping a few shop windows that display photos of The Queen, and/or messages of condolence.

Quite a difference from the experience I had after Diana died, when there were many black framed photos of her in the windows of private residences.  I haven't seen any of those this time around.

Unfortunately all the signs are behind glass, which does not photograph well.  Often there is an image of Oxford scenery mirrored in the photos.  Still, it adds an additional angle - evidence that these were taken in Oxford, and not in London or some other town.






Even the buses got in on the act!










I like this one - perhaps a reference to Charles III?




This is a little tricky to connect with The Queen, but note the open book in the middle of the photo.












Many colleges had a flag half mast - the is Queen's College.



Magdalen College was also half mast. 




This estate agent replaced all their listings





I liked this display the most - they had something similar when Prince Philip died.








Sunday 18 September 2022

Open Day at Christ Church College

 Last Saturday a friend and I went to an Open Day at Christ Church College.  Very enjoyable.  There were lectures, a tour, lunch, and later tea in the gardens and croquet.

Oxford at its best!

Sadly the same can't be said for my photos, but oh well ...





Inside the college, between two quads




Unusual fountain, moss-covered, in the secret garden


Croquet



Secret door used by Queen Elizabeth I when she lived in Christ Church - built so she could come unobserved into the Hall, bricked up after she had left, as no longer needed.  That's what the Guide said, anyway.



Dining Hall - lots of portraits of famous people, including the founders of Pennsylvania and Methodism




I wish I had a fish eye lens ....


The library


Peckwater quad - off limits to all but public school boys before the 1960s, apparently.  We had an old member on the tour, who was a grammar school boy and not allowed to stay here.  He got exiled to some place near the train station instead.  Things have changed since then!